tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57045060981019002842009-11-02T17:51:11.392-06:00The Great RV RebuildP. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-41181383037577307312009-06-14T17:42:00.003-05:002009-06-14T18:07:40.815-05:00RV Quest Part 14<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010064-775645.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010064-775384.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />On our last camping trip, we discovered that the hot water heater would not stay lit. It is an all gas unit by Atwood. There are only two manufacturers that are producing the hot water units for the RVs, Suburban and Atwood.<div><br />After looking at ours and doing a Google search, it was pretty</div><div> easy to determine the make.<br /></div><img src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010067-757261.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" /><div><br /></div><div>First thing you should try is to thoroughly clean out the burner chamber and the gas orifice with compressed air. Dirt daubers and wasp, seem to have an affinity to creating their nest here. An obstruction can cause back pressure which could be causing a flame out. My unit was fairly clean with only a small dirt dauber nest in the exhaust chamber. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010069-731333.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div>The gas units use a couple of sensors to determine the temperature of the water and whether or not the gas is lit. So the first step was to clean the connectors, by removing the wires, wiping with a little steel wool and replacing them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mine were pretty difficult to remove. I had to use pliers and work them back and forth.</div><div><br /></div><div>After these two steps, I tried to light the unit with no success. Okay one more thing to check before I start replacing sensors or the control board. The</div><img src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010082-755511.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" /><div> electronic ignitor provides a small resistance to the control board to determine whether the gas is burning or not. Sometimes the carbon deposits can prevent this from registering the correct amount. Carefully remove the ignitor. Have to be careful of the nut that sits almost inside the burner chamber. My unit only has a single bolt and nut. Once again "sand" lightly with a small piece of steel wool and reassemble. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">BINGO!! </span> The unit fires right up and stays lit. Cool Beans!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-4118138303757730731?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-72145289952190254372009-06-13T13:58:00.006-05:002009-06-13T14:46:47.562-05:00RV Quest Part13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010078-742337.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010078-742042.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Several people have inquired about the "baby bed" that my wife made. With a large family (seven children), we we need all the available sleeping room we can find. <div><br /></div><div>Also we needed a crib for our one year old Jillian.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our Class C RV has Flex Steel chairs up front which are able to rotate around and provide usable sitting space while in camp. I am really not sure but would imagine most Class C's are like this.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010074-722344.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010075-722939.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010075-722667.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So we rotate the chairs facing each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then place the "bed" on the seats.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The bed is constructed of four panels sewn together. The back panel uses a fine screen mesh fabric so that even if the baby rolls against it, she will still be able to breathe freely.</div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010070-779140.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010070-778851.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The bottom of the bed is designed like a pillow case in which we slid a piece of luan into. This bottom piece is left open. In the future if we ever need to replace or "double up" the luan for more support, it will be an easy process.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010072-731024.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010072-730747.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The sides are constructed similar to a pillow case as well, but with 1/2 of one side removed.</div><div>This allows them to easily slide over the backs of the chairs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010076-744092.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010076-743825.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010077-742284.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1010077-741978.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><br /><div>Once the sides are in place on the chairs, the chairs are then slid "back" and tilted back to adjust the tension of the bed.</div><div>Have to give Kudos to the Mrs. she is a genius.<br /></div><br />Next step:<br />Tackle the hot water heater to find out why it immediately shuts off when lit.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-7214528995219025437?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-16945748203324285292009-05-10T18:13:00.005-05:002009-05-10T18:28:04.184-05:00RV Quest Part 12Mother's Day weekend. <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp1-749299.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp1-749245.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Camping Time!!!!<br /><br />Finally made our first outing in the RV. We went to Chicot State Park, Louisiana.<br /><br />Our only minor hiccup was the hotwater heater not working. The hot water heater would shut off as soon <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp3-733340.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp3-733299.jpg" /></a>as it was turned on. I believe it is a sensor that needs to be replaced.<br /><br /><br />The family had a great time. As you can see little Jillian was plumb wore out.<br /><br />The Mrs. created a bed for her on the front seats. She is a w<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp2-754759.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/camp2-754711.jpg" /></a>iz at sewing among other things.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The family was sad it was such a short trip. But hopefully this is just the one of many.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-1694574820332428529?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-16858378319286121792009-04-28T20:53:00.003-05:002009-04-28T21:02:39.284-05:00RV Quest Part 11<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000142-753055.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000142-753031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is an inside view of the front window after rebuilding the Class C <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">motor home</span>. The inside will be painted, but we will wait till after a few thunderstorms to make sure the seals are good on all of the seams. The unpainted wood will quickly show water leaking, while painted wood would prevent the water from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">seeping</span> to the inside and would just trap it between the fiberglass and the inside paint.</div><div> </div><div>As a matter of fact after the first rain, we realize the the glass itself needs to be removed from the aluminum frame and resealed. While cleaning this window my wife had a pretty strong <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">allergic</span> reaction to the sealant that was used before. So we are going to use a different sealant to seal the glass to the aluminum frame. After considerable research, we're going to go with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sikaflex</span> 221. This is a polyurethane elastic adhesive. It has a very strong bond and remains very flexible.<br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-1685837831928612179?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-62385335686808150832009-04-28T20:42:00.003-05:002009-04-28T20:53:06.861-05:00RV Quest Part 10<div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000144-769968.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000144-769943.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>After mounting the window the fiberglass is wrapped around the "nose" of the Class C rv.</div><br /><br /><div>All of this wood was completely rotted. So a little thought and a lot of "cut to fit" was used to allow the fiberglass to curve around the nose. Cypress was used to help prevent rot in the event of a leak.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Be sure to use an odd number of profile curves. You want to have one in the center. When you start to bend the fi<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000145-764063.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000145-764038.jpg" border="0" /></a>berglass, start in the center and work outwards a little at a time to each side. If you start on a side you can end of with a small twist or diagonal to the fiberglass and the opposite side is not going to match up correctly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once again a layer of black butyl putty tape is used where the fiberglass seams join.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-6238533568680815083?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-36779327844680831302009-04-28T20:27:00.003-05:002009-04-28T20:41:50.525-05:00RV Quest Part 09<div><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000139-742620.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000139-742596.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Now it is time to glue the fiberglass skin on to the rebuilt plywood on the front of the Class C <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rv</span>.</div><br /><br /><div>After gluing and stapling the fiberglass, the front panel is cut out for the window. The original cutout on the fiberglass was used as the pattern. If <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">necessary</span> use masking tape to outline the cutout to prevent the fiberglass from being scuffed/scratch<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000141-737717.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000141-737695.jpg" border="0" /></a>ed by the jigsaw. Have to give credit to the Bosch jigsaw. Cutting with it is a pleasure compared to old egg beaters Black &amp; Decker use to put out (still do?)</div><div> </div><div>Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">butyl</span> putty tape is used to seal the window to the fiberglass.</div><div>That stuff is tenacious, but it does clean up pretty easy with "Orange Goop" type automotive soap.</div></div><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-3677932784468083130?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-36157125484077900472009-04-14T07:30:00.004-05:002009-04-14T08:02:05.908-05:00RV Quest Part 08<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/cab-trimmed-720101.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/cab-trimmed-720098.jpg" border="0" /></a> Finally after a month and a half, we have finished rebuilding the inside of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">motorhome</span>. All of the front cab-over has been rebuilt. The trim molding has been installed and caulked. Unlike the previous owners, the caulk on the inside is just for painting purposes not to "keep water out" :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Our initial inspection also had revealed a leaking water pump. The carpet was totally soaked with water so instead of merely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trying</span><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/bed-800-720113.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/bed-800-720111.jpg" border="0" /></a> to dry it out, we chose to rip the carpet up and replace with vinyl tile. After removing all of the screws on the bed, it was necessary to pry the plywood off one side of the frame. Once the plywood is removed, you can finally remove the screws holding the frame down to the floor. Remove the carpet. Install the vinyl floor. Replace the pump. Here the bed is in the process of being reassembled.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-3615712548407790047?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-15615767628382389252009-04-01T06:05:00.003-05:002009-04-01T15:57:35.057-05:00RV Quest Part 07<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/window800-749906.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/window800-749902.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The side windows were removed and a layer of "monkey poop" was placed around the opening. This tape is actually a black butyl rubber tacky tape. It is more elastic and less prone to drying out than the grey type. The windows originally had a strip of foam rubber weather stripping. This was almost completely dry rotted. </div><div></div><div>(Looks like first project of the summer is to remove all of the remainging windows on the rv and reseal them.) This is really not that big of a project. After removing the screws from the inside window bracket, a putty knife can be used on the outside to gently pry the window off. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/wincutout800-2-749894.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/wincutout800-2-749891.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/wincutout800-720620.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/wincutout800-720616.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the windows were removed the last of the interior side panels were put in place and the window opening cut out. And finally the windows were reattached.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/inside800-720606.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/inside800-720603.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>The inside bunk is now finished except for the trim molding and paint. It is very sturdy and should easyally hold several children :) It is a wonder that I did not fall through the orignal bunk when I was doing the initial inspection.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-1561576762838238925?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-78769018506543714452009-03-23T20:54:00.007-05:002009-03-23T21:54:46.205-05:00RV Quest Part06<div>The roof (EPDM rubber) has been glued back down. After much research, we determined the best way to clean the roof was simply a mild soap and water. Several sources mention using a solvent based cleaner, but upon further investigation we found out that all of these solvents would make the rubber swell as it absorb some of the solvent. This can lead to two problems: 1.) loss of adhesion as the rubber shrinks back down. 2.)loss of adhesion as the rubber releases some of the solvent back onto the fresh adhesive. We used Dicor 901BA, which is a water based acrylic adhesive. This stuff has a VERY high tack strength. We spread it on with a 1/8" notched trowel.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>After gluing the roof down. Worked resumed work on refitting the front <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/frontcloseup-715191.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/frontcloseup-715187.jpg" border="0" /></a>panel. The wood was non-existent where the front panel meets up with the top bunk. After puzzling over what c<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/cross-brace-765135.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/cross-brace-765132.jpg" border="0" /></a>ould possible be holding up the bunk, I realized that there had to have been a wood cross brace going across the front. With a little bit of thought and effort we were able to reconstruct the front bracing. A generous bead of Liquid Nails and stainless steel screws were used for assembly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In rebuilding, care was taken in the selection of materials. Cypress and Western Red Cedar were used for resistance to rot and light weight. All screws are being replaced with stainless steel square drive pan head screws. Phillips head screws are next to impossible to remove once any corrosion sets in. The few dollars more you will spend on the SS square drives will be well spent the first time you EVER need to revisit your repair.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is a close up of the front panel before the window is cut out. This <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/front-panel-closeup-797138.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/front-panel-closeup-797135.jpg" border="0" /></a>picture serves as a reminder that there are SS screws holding the window panel to the top bunk as well as to the aluminum cross brace on the roof. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The inside bunk is just about finished. A few triangle cross-section trim molding for the joints are just about to be fastened. The side panels are all almost ready to go up. Notice the galvanized metal flashing used above and below the windows. Either the manufacturer was a little on the haphazar<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/inside-bunk-767825.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/inside-bunk-767822.jpg" border="0" /></a>d side with the flashing, or the previous owner had attemped a repair and did not replace everything as found. We found flashing where expected and an occasional stray piece. The driver and passenger sides had different lengths of flashing above and below the windows. </div><br /><div>We want to remove the side windows before we replace the inside wood panels. This way we'll be able to cut out window using the opening as a pattern.</div><div></div><div>The weatherman says rain for the next several days. So time to cover everything with tarps. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-7876901850654371445?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-91488727555407184652009-03-08T20:01:00.002-05:002009-03-08T20:10:43.925-05:00RV Quest Part 05<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000073-768514.JPG"></a>Have to brace up the front in order to apply pressure to the Styrofoam and plywood when we glue them up. <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000072-767834.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000072-767380.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm using a 2' x 8' piece of 3/4" plywood. Attached to the plywood is a 2"x6" to provide a backbone to prevent the plywood from bowing. This is being held up by 2"x4" 's that are cut a little long and then wedged into place against the ground and the plywood.<br /><br />At this time the "floor" of the bunk has been completed and we will start on the roof on Monday. Weather permitting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-9148872755540718465?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-20854343942215544442009-03-02T20:11:00.003-06:002009-03-02T20:31:55.063-06:00RV Quest Part 04Finally! We finished removing all of the rotted/delaminated plywood.<br />Here is a picture showing the plywood removed and with the first sheets of new luan in place. <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000069-758457.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/uploaded_images/P1000069-758054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />In the process of cutting and fitting new exterior grade luan sheets into place and replacing the damaged styrofoam insulation. The styrofoam we are using is the 1" blue board available from Lowe's. It is almost exactly the same density as the existing styrofoam. I have to make sure to remove the clear plastic vapor barrier tape that is on both sides of the blue board. After quite a bit of research, the best adhesive to attach the plywood and styrofoam to the aluminum frame and each other is Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction. It is the one in the blue and gold label. This adhesive will not attack the styrofoam and has a high resistance to heat failure.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-2085434394221554444?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-5611919933813452822009-02-23T20:31:00.003-06:002009-02-26T21:06:48.434-06:00RV Quest Part 03<div>It is always amazing how a little leak, or it's no longer leaking, turns out to be a very large problem. Fortunately, we knew this going in. Spent the last three days ripping out rotted wood and soaking wet plywood that has delaminated.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Started off peeling and scraping the plywood from the over-head bunk. These RV's are constucted like an Oreo cookie. A layer of styrofoam is sandwiched between two layers of plywood. Like a hollow core door, this construction is amazingly strong. A stiff putty knife and a small hammer to "carve" the plywood from the styrofoam seems to be the best way to remove it. Although the plywood glue itself has long since lost it's holding power, the glue bond between the styrofoam and the bottom plywood layer is still very strong. <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/P1000059-739520.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/P1000059-739517.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>After removing the bottom, we remove the rest of the interior plywood from the sides and front. I'm now ready to tackle opening up the seam between the front fiberglass shell and the roof itself. A pair of linesmen pliers, hammer, stiff putty knife, razor knife, cordless drill with a square bit, and a lot of patience go along way.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-561191993381345282?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-88698728670456314192009-02-04T20:28:00.003-06:002009-02-26T21:05:13.241-06:00RV Quest Part 02<a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv3-780076.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv3-780074.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv2-780062.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv2-780060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>The inside is in nice shape for a 1997. Except for signs of moisture damage in the cab over, everything else inside is in good condition.</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-8869872867045631419?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704506098101900284.post-3186666506071436952009-02-01T06:08:00.009-06:002009-02-26T21:03:49.100-06:00RV Quest Part 01<span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)">Although we've been on a "Dave Ramsey" kick for the past two years, my sanity needed a vacation. While "cash may be king", children are God's gift. My wife and I decided that we needed to share God's gift while we can. We are still diligently working on crowning that king, but finding a weekend a month and a couple of weeks in the summer to spend time with the kids, will have to move up on the priority list.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)">After being blessed with seven children, we finally have taken the plunge and purchased our first RV. We really wanted a Class C. The capacity to sleep eight is very important :) Our budget is tight so a new <a href="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv1-747569.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://www.ecalypso.com/pryland/uploaded_images/rv1-747567.jpg" border="0" /></a>RV is out of the question. For the past year, we have been browsing EBay and other used RV sites looking for a bargain.<br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)">We found a 1996 Fourwinds Chateau for a nice price and only 150 miles away. Road trip.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)">After a couple of hours inspection we realize that yes it is in nice condition, BUT the front cab over has leaked in the past. HMMM. If it has leaked in the past, it is probably leaking in the present. Buying this one would mean rebuilding the front cab over. We decided to trade sweat equity over a higher price. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)"><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(102,255,255)">We're going to rebuild it! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5704506098101900284-318666650607143695?l=www.ecalypso.com%2Frvblogger.html'/></div>P. Ryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773568804441840023vendor@pryland.com0